Present Perfect Simple vs Continuous - The Difference between these Two Tenses (+ FREE PDF)

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Daniela from Italy asks, "What's the different between the present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous?"

Thank you for your question. The first thing to know when looking at the difference between the present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous is that it can be quite complex and it can be flexible. So, there are times when you can use both tenses; there are times that the different tenses only make a small difference. And also, there are lots of little situations when we use one or when we use the other.

But in this video, I'm going to focus on the two main differences. I do have a free download that you can get that goes into this into more depth, but in this video, I'm just going to focus on the two main differences.

The first way to think about the difference between these two tenses is whether you are focusing on an action or a result. So, here is one example, "I've been reading all day" - this is the present perfect continuous. The second example is "I've read 100 pages today" - this is the present perfect simple.

Looking at the first example, the present perfect continuous - I've been reading all day - what we can say about it is this: it focuses on the act of reading. The action: 'been reading'. So, when you're using the present perfect continuous here, a lot of the time we are focusing on the action - I've been reading all day.

However, in the second example, "I've read 100 pages today" this is the present perfect simple and it focuses on the result - so, we're focusing on the 100 pages, the result of the action. So, that is the first difference and, as I said, there is a download with more examples.

The second difference is about continuous and non-continuous verbs. Because we can use both tenses for something that started in the past but continues in the present. And as I say here, we can use both depending on the verb.

Here are two examples: "I've known him for a long time""I've been helping him for a long time." So, both are talking about something that started in the past and continue in the present. But, in one example we use the present perfect simple and in the other we use the present perfect continuous.

Looking at the first example, "I've known him for a long time" - 'to know' is a non-continuous verb. For example, we don't say, "I am knowing him" instead we say "I know him." And that is why we don't say "I have been knowing him for a long time" instead we say "I have known him for a long time." So, because 'to know' is a non-continuous verb, we use this in the present perfect simple. An action that started in the past, but continues in the present.

The second example, "I've been helping him for a long time" is the present perfect continuous. 'To help' is a continuous verb. "I've been helping him for a long time." So this is when we use it in the present perfect continuous. Now, some verbs can be used in both tenses. For example, you can say, "I've lived here for 5 years." Or "I've been living here for 5 years." So, with some verbs, we can use them in both tenses.

That has given you an overview of the difference between the present perfect simple and the present perfect continuous. But do not go just yet... because I have a free worksheet for you. It's going to summarize the difference between these two tenses, give you more examples, and there's also an exercise for you to do. So, click the link to download that and I'll see you next time!

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Please share this video if you found it useful. Thanks.

[hanaas]

This is my first time when i can understand the difference very well thanks.

[rlfhbzf]

Thank you very much for the clarification: everything is clear, clear and understandable. Thank you.

[learnenglishasap-charlotte]

Choosing between these two tenses can be subtle and subjective. Great explanation, Jack!

[juanmartin]

great video!!! I have always struggled with explaining this difference because, as you say, sometimes there's no diff. thanks!

[jonatanr]

GRACIAS ! !! SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA ! !! I can't stop watching your videos ! ! !!

[nourantareqtareq]

Thnx a lot you saved me!
I was confused between two tenses but after this video i feel good
Love u

[evareads]

you are the best teacher ever, thank you so much!

[elenaastley]

Thanks for video, just let you know PDF’s unavailable for download.

[sarahalkathiri]

thanks a lot teacher i am glad to learn from your channel .

[iiznis]

You made it so clear, thank you very much!

[wasteryy]

THANKS A LOT. THIS HELPED ME SO MUCH <3

[kaloyanivanov]

Hi, thanks for the video! Nice job and keep going! Unfortunately the worksheet is not available for downloading.

[annewithane]

Thanks a lot and I hope you will do more videos about verb tenses.

[sohorabmnu]

Hope you are doing well nowadays. It's really fun to learn English with your podcast. The way you talk about everything helps me to imitate you and day by day I am garnering the way u speak. But I have a lot to learn. Why you are not regular on your podcast? It's been a long time since you posted your last episode. I am missing u badly. I need your help, sir. Please be regular. Btw, thank you for everything you give me and make me confident in myself. Stay blessed and delighted. Happy new year.

[maksimkovtun]

Thank you for your video! But link was broken.

[paolopari]

thanks!!
it has been helping me
you are the best my friend

[mollietai]

1) Present Perfect Simple :
I / We / You / They have read three books today .
He / She / It has slept two hours today .
2) Present Perfect Continuous :
I / We / You / They have been watching TV all day .
He/ She / It has been playing all day .

[sebastianalegria]

l thank you for the English lessons, l think that your video to explain us very well some tips as this from video could be determint at their use, it's a pleasure to can learn, greetings Jack

[KhalidNageb]

thanks, jack .
it's a good video and make the grammar clear

[leejoy]

found especially useful with the non-continuous verbs! Cheers jack!